ACES vs SOXL
ALPS Clean Energy ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
ACES has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SOXL offers more diversification with 43 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $124M | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | -3.80% | +206.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.16% | +392.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -6.85% | +88.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.04% | +28.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 87.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Mar 11, 2010 |
ACES vs SOXL Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year ACES returned +20.16% while SOXL returned +392.69%. Year to date, ACES is down 3.80% versus a gain of 206.84% for SOXL.
Over three years, ACES compounded at -6.85% per year against +88.71% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are -13.04% and +28.08% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +39.02% annualized vs +3.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.8% compared with 35.4% for ACES. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -79.0% for ACES and -90.5% for SOXL. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $75 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 0.73% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 72 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or SOXL?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SOXL charges 0.75%. ACES is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or SOXL?
Over the past year ACES returned +20.16% vs +392.69% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.80% vs +39.02% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.8% annualized versus 35.4% for ACES. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both ACES and SOXL?
ACES and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and SOXL?
ACES and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 72 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or SOXL?
ACES yields 0.73% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so ACES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.